Developing a gratitude practice

I know, I know... the word gratitude seems to pop up everywhere this time of year. But seriously - we have so much to be grateful for!

Here are a few things we're celebrating right now:

Friends, family and health

Our serendipitous meeting this summer

The chance to hit the slopes soon

Our amazing community (aka, YOU!!)

Cozy sweaters and crackling fireplaces

The ability to work together on a project we love

Honestly the list could go on and on, and it should! If you're anything like us, you're always counting your blessings and may have even developed a gratitude practice that exists outside the holiday season. And if you haven't yet, then we're going to help you start one.

Right. Now.

I personally enjoy practicing gratitude through a journal. It may be because of my love of writing, but I keep it right next to my bed so I can wake up every morning and jot down a few things I'm grateful for. Plus, a five-minute a day gratitude journal can increase your long-term well-being by more than 10 percent. That’s the same impact as doubling your income! Who needs money, amiright?

If you're not interested in writing down what you're grateful for, just think about it. Focusing on three things you're grateful for before you even get out of bed is a great way to kick start your day. If you do yoga or practice meditation - set gratitude as your intention and keep coming back to it.

Lastly, never be afraid to tell others that you're grateful for them. You can never say it too many times, and people deserve to know how important they are to you.

Developing a daily gratitude practice is literally nothing but beneficial. So as the holidays approach and your stresses rise, make sure you take some time to celebrate what you're grateful for and bring it into the new year. We promise you won't regret it.

What are you grateful for, and how do you celebrate it? Let us know in the comments below and tag us in your gratitude posts on Instagram @denversocialsweat!